Howzat? Cricket legend Graham Gooch is St Albans hospice hero

CRICKETER Graham Gooch bowled over the audience at the Robert Runcie Dinner in aid of Grove House. Held at the Noke Thistle Hotel and hosted by Lady Runcie, it raised more than �5,500 for the hospice. Guests enjoyed a champagne reception followed by a thr

CRICKETER Graham Gooch bowled over the audience at the Robert Runcie Dinner in aid of Grove House.

Held at the Noke Thistle Hotel and hosted by Lady Runcie, it raised more than �5,500 for the hospice.

Guests enjoyed a champagne reception followed by a three-course dinner and were then entertained by Graham who recounted some of the highlights of his cricketing career as captain of England.

An auction which included a signed photo of Graham and one of his signed shirts helped to raise even more money for Grove House. Graham encouraged the guests to give generously to support the hospice.

Event organiser Kathryn Boal said: "We are most grateful to Graham for supporting this event - it was a most enjoyable and successful evening."

She thanked Andy Kane of Kane Haulage for donating a helicopter flight to the auction, Sue Lobban and Wendy Russell from Barclays Business Banking for their help with the raffle and for matching the money raised and Cleverbox Events which helped organise the evening.

To find out about other Grove House events visit the website at www.grove-house.org.uk